Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Casual Restaurants in Hillcrest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

147 restaurants available nearby

A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
4.1
Excellent(83)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of La Bonne Table restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1422)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 12 times today
LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. ​Bon Appetit!
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4933)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 130 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4221)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 139 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(246)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 74 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(113)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 25 times today
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!
A photo of Lala restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(139)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 30 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4401)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 97 times today
We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3027)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 69 times today
With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1367)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MeghanVIP
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Avery was amazing! She was super patient with my Mom’s high maintenance drink order and took excellent care of us throughout the whole dining experience.
    More info
    C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • JoelleVIP
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a lovely new years brunch (though I do wish they actually served brunch fare). Everything was very delicious! The service, while very friendly and accommodating, got a little slow toward the end as it got busier, which is understandable. It would’ve been okay except we were in a booth that was one of two they have for parties of six but maybe six short, slim people? Pretty uncomfortable, especially in that corner spot, I spent the whole meal with my arms up over the back of the booth. I’m chubby but the rest of my party were regular sized men and one slim woman and we all felt squashed. But otherwise, a beautiful meal on a lovely day.
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • Ethelyn
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    Attended the 5-course Christmas Eve dinner. It was worth every penny- from start to finish it was coursed beautifully, ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly to temp, plating was festive and colourful; and all this with just the right timed check-ins from my bartender/server James. The couple next to me did the wine pairing and everything was explained nicely and paired well... along with some fun history & stories- I opted for the cocktails which were creative and utilized some lovely ingredients as well as being well balanced.
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • SusanVIP
    San Diego •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    We live within walking distance of La Bonne Table, and this was the first time we have eaten here. Be prepared to be blown away by the ambience, the service, the food! Christmas Eve was a prix fixe holiday dinner, and everything was absolutely delicious. The endive salad is a treasure; the trout almondine with asparagus and lemon butter sauce was superb; the steak frites were perfect, and the creme brulee was the best I've ever eaten. Our cocktails were spot on. Victor and Yo are the best - taking care of everyone personally in the lovely small French bistro. Yes, it was all that good. Wow.
    More info
    La Bonne TablePrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    4.9
  • Slim
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Dec 2024
    Reservations or walk in, even to-go, either way the food is delicious. Angie was excellent. She didn't hover around us yet she showed up when she needed! Great food and we were serviced with a smile!
    More info
    NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
    4.1
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo